What Is the ‘Doll Bob’ Haircut That’s Everywhere This Season?

As the seasons change, so too do our hair care routines. Summertime typically brings with it a renewed interest in beachy waves and long, flowing locks that can be thrown into a messy bun on scorching days. But come autumn and winter, many of us find ourselves wanting to embrace a shorter, sleeker style. This season, the so-called “doll bob” is the chicest trend to try.

Even if you haven’t heard the name before, you’ve almost certainly seen this vintage-inspired ’do on your newsfeed. It has quickly become a celeb favorite, with tastemakers such as Lily Collins, Kendall Jenner, and Whitney Port all sporting their take on the timeless trend. Typically, the cropped cut hits right around the jawline, with blunt-cut ends that curl slightly inward to frame the face. The vibe is similar to that of the French bob, but lacks the tousled fringe that exemplifies the Parisian-inspired style.

Like many bob hairstyles, the doll bob is easily adaptable for a range of hair types and textures. It’s great for thin, fine hair, as the shorter length and blunt ends can help create the illusion of fuller strands. But that doesn’t mean the chic style is unattainable for those with thick, wavy, or even curly hair. It will likely require a little tweaking, though. Instead of a blunt cut, ask your stylist to lightly feather your ends using the point-cutting technique. According to hairstylist @hairbydeejay, this can help remove unwanted bulk and “prevent the dreaded Lord Farquaad bob” (if you know, you know).

Keep in mind that while it’s elegant, the doll bob is by no means low-maintenance. In most cases, you’ll need to blow-dry your hair to achieve that smooth, sleek texture. You’ll also need to commit to regular trims to keep the short bob looking precise and neat. If that’s not in the cards, consider a tousled lob or the equally elegant (but lower-maintenance) Baroque bob.